How to Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows with Group Policy Editor

Affected Platforms:

• OptiPlex
• Latitude
• Precision Workstations
• Inspiron
• XPS
• Vostro
• Dell G-Series
• Alienware

Affected Operating Systems:

• Windows

If you have a third-party anti-virus that is installed and active on your computer, you may want to disable Windows Defender. This article walks you through disabling Windows Defender using the Group Policy Editor within Windows.

Disabling Windows Defender using Group Policy Editor

If you are running a third-party anti-virus and want to disable Windows Defender, you can do so using the Group Policy Editor in Windows following the steps below:

1. Open a command prompt by pressing the Windows + R keys on the keyboard, type cmd in the search box, and click OK.
2. Type gpedit.msc at the command prompt and press Enter.
3. Confirm the UAC prompt to continue.
4. Navigate through the following path to open the Windows Defender settings: Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender
   
5. Double-click the Windows Defender folder to open the settings and look for the Turn off Windows Defender policy setting
   
6. Select Enabled to enable this policy and turn off Windows Defender
   
7. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
   Note: If you remove your third-party anti-virus and want to reenable Windows Defender on your computer, follow the steps above using the group policy editor. Select either Not Configured or Disabled for the Turn off Windows Defender policy.